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Tools

The Bible Craft For Kids Create-A-Pages are designed to use standard tools such as a pair of scissors or a paper trimmer. But they keep in mind the advanced crafter that may use a die cut machine. These machines are very available and use cutting dies. The pages use the standard die sizes such as a 3 inch circle or square. We make every effort to keep your kit preparation time to a minimum.

To aid in cutting the labels, look for the longest line and start there. We position the labels in such a way that when you make one cut it cuts the edges of two labels, therefore eliminating a full cut with the scissors or trimmer.

As you gather items for the crafting lesson a few basics will be necessary for each event. If you start with these basics you can build your crafting box or resource room a little at a time and it will not be so expensive. Buy quality equipment and they will last throughout your crafting season and be sure to keep your supplies separated from community resource rooms. In Community resource rooms you will never know when other teachers will be using the same supplies that you will need for your craft on the day you will be holding your crafting event. You might fall short or not have the supplies you need.

Start with a container such as a box or tub to keep your supplies together or maybe a large rolling suitcase, they work well for transporting and storage. Next group supplies in smaller containers; Markers in one container, glue sticks in another etc. The type of container does not matter, you may need plastic baggies, plastic lunch storage containers, peanut butter jars. I have used mixed nut containers, they are square and pack well. The dollar stores are great for inexpensive containers. Containers are also great for set up and clean up because helpers can carry the container to the work spaces. Kid’s love to help. Crafting can be very enjoyable the more organized you are and the more seriously you take your job.

For markers and colored pencils and crayons I use mismatched ceramic mugs or cups to hold these implements. Line them up and down the center of the table and 4 to 6 children can usually reach one set. The heavier mugs add for stability. I have also used small flower pots for this as well. Always remember to teach the children to return the markers or other implements to the holders as they use them, so when the crafting is finished, clean up is a breeze.

When finished crafting, check your supplies and reorganize each container. Check lids to make sure they are on tightly. Some implements may need to be sanitized. To sanitize markers lay a sheet of sanitized wipes on a table, lay the markers side by side. Next, lay an additional sheet of sanitized sheet on top of the markers, using the flat of your hand roll the markers. It is easy to sanitize quite a few at a time. Always have sanitizing wipes for glue bottles and other crafting supplies. The children may also sanitize their own implements.

Add replacements after each crafting event to keep your resources up to date. Keeping a memo pad in your craft box will allow you to write down the supplies you need to replace.

Scissors – child size scissors can be found in all of your discount and department stores. Every year at the beginning of the school year they can be less expensive and about a month after school starts they start giving deeper discounts on school supplies. I purchased scissors at 25 cents each after school started and I loaded up. They were the cheapest child scissors on the market at that time and were not of the best quality, I am still using some of them today.

Pencils/ Colored Pencils – At the end of the crafting session, sharpen your pencils so they will be ready for the next session. Keep erasers for the children as well, it seems the kids bite off the erasers or wear them down etc. A little sanitizer doesn’t hurt either.

Markers – Washable markers are preferable, the larger for the younger groups and the smaller for older ages. Place one or two sets in containers the children can reach easily. Sharpie markers are permanent on hands and clothing and parents frown a little if their child is permanently marked or clothing ruined from kid’s drawing on themselves.

Crayons – Larger for the younger groups and smaller for the older ages. When a crayon breaks simply throw it away. It seems wasteful however it keeps your supplies easy to use for your crafter. I have seen crayon bits placed in a silicon mold and melted to make another crayon. Those are interesting.

Glue – check our resource tab for different types and uses of glue and adhesives.

Erasers – whenever using pencils, have an arrangement of erasers on the table.

Tools for Kit preparation.

Craft knife – Depending on the age group, craft knives can be used by Jr. High to adults, always with supervision.

Rulers – I recommend a 12 inch wooden ruler with the metal tearing strip. They last longer and the strip is invaluable to some crafting.

Bone Folder – A bone folder is wonderful for creasing paper in precise folding. A popcicle stick works well too or the edge of a pencil.

Needle Tool – A needle tool is used for punching holes, lifting small parts such as rhinestones.

Score Board – A score board helps in folding and manipulating paper. Using a score board places a crease precisely where a fold is needed and insures constant folding lines.

Scoring Tool – Use the scoring tool in conjunction with the score board for making score lines. The large end for printed designer paper, and the smaller end for heavier card stock. Some have used waxed paper on their project paper to allow for easier sliding through the grooves.

Paper Trimmer – There are a couple of types of trimmers, the guillotine and slide trimmer. Each has its place in crafting. The guillotine will cut multiple sheets while the slide trimmer cuts one sheet at a time. The guillotine should not be used around small children without supervision as there is no protection of the blade. The slide trimmer comes in a multitude of sizes, for random crafting I would not recommend anything less than one that cuts an 12X12 sheet of paper. I recommend the Fiskars trimmer that has the wire guide down the center of the cutting area. This is so valuable in cutting the labels.

Hole Punch-It is helpful to have a 1/8 inch hole punch and the standard 1/4 in punch.